About Dashe Cellars

Description

Let me tell you, Dashe Cellars is the kind of place you end up telling your friends about the minute you get back home. If you’re craving an urban wine experience with all the charm and none of the snobbery, this should be on your radar. Michael and Anne Dashe had the wild idea—okay, more like a brilliant plan—to make world-class wine right here in the Bay Area, so folks wouldn’t always have to haul themselves to Napa or Sonoma. I respect that, honestly. Wine should be accessible to everyone, right down to city dwellers who don’t own a GPS or a weekend to spare.

When folks talk about Dashe, you’ll hear a lot about character, and not just in the wine itself. There’s this easygoing vibe as soon as you step in—a kind of industrial simplicity, big city cool with a serious love for craft. The winery itself, built inside a legit airplane hangar, is airy, bright, and buzzing with passionate wine lovers and curious newcomers alike. And, not gonna lie, you might see a corgi or two running around outside (dog-lovers, this bit is for you).

Here, wine isn’t pumped out like soda—each bottle is crafted with care. They’re known for letting the land do the talking, coaxing out wild flavors that are just, well, honest. Everything from their Dry Creek Zinfandel (their first baby, so to speak) to single-vineyard Grenache and Carbonic Carignan is bold yet balanced. These wines aren’t over-engineered or predictable. You honestly get a taste of Northern California’s dirt, sun, and sea air in every glass.

Family-owned and women-owned, Dashe Cellars isn’t just about making wine. They’re reshaping what it means to be a city winery. Anne’s influence is obvious—in the thoughtful tastings, the laid-back events, heck, even the accessible bathrooms and inclusive spaces. The folks here genuinely want you to enjoy yourself, whether you’re a seasoned collector, an accidental tourist, or that friend who “just drinks rosé.” I’ve seen birthday parties, bachelorette brunches, first dates, and industry insiders all rubbing elbows at communal tables. You can even catch live music, laid-back food pop-ups, or impromptu chats with the winemakers on a chill Sunday afternoon. There’s just an easy openness here that you don’t get everywhere.

But hey, it’s not all sunshine and unicorns. Some folks might say the wines are too adventurous for their taste or that the industrial spot is “quirky.” That’s just part of the experience. If you’re after a white-tablecloth, countryside castle type of vibe, you might have to keep driving. But if you’re up for creative wines, good conversation, and a taste of Alameda’s under-the-radar urban wine scene—you’re gonna remember your time at Dashe, guaranteed.

Key Features

  • Family-Owned, Women-Owned: Authentic, personal touch you’ll feel from the first hello to the last pour.
  • Artisan, Small-Lot Wines: Limited releases with a focus on Zinfandel, but you’ll find unique reds and whites crafted with minimal intervention—think indigenous yeast and almost no filtration.
  • Urban Setting: Housed in an airy, repurposed airplane hangar with fantastic views of the San Francisco skyline. It doesn’t get more “Bay Area” than this.
  • Inclusive & Accessible: Wheelchair accessible entrance, restrooms, and plenty of parking—plus, a gender-neutral restroom and kid/dog-friendly outdoor spaces.
  • Onsite Bar & Tastings: Enjoy curated wine flights, knowledgeable staff, and, if you’re lucky, a chat with the winemakers themselves.
  • Event Space: Regular live music, food pop-ups (the tacos are a hidden gem), art shows, and private parties. It’s perfect for anything from low-key meetups to landmark occasions.
  • Wine Club & Store: Exclusive releases, member events, discounts, and easy direct purchases—perfect if you want to revisit those flavors at home.
  • COVID-Friendly Service Options: Curbside pickup and onsite enjoyment are both available. Safety is taken seriously so you can relax (if only all venues were this thoughtful, right?).
  • Free & Easy Parking: Free lot and street parking—rare, I know. You’ll barely have to circle the block.
  • Contactless Payment: Pay with credit, debit, or NFC for a touchless, effortless experience.

Best Time to Visit

Alright, real talk—Alameda can be a touch breezy, but Dashe Cellars is open year-round and always ready for company. If you ask me (and you are, since you’re here), the golden months are late spring through fall. Think May to October. Here’s why:

  • Weather: Alameda avoids both the Bay Area fog chills and the oppressive inland heat, especially in the afternoons. The outdoor patio just begs for a glass of Zinfandel as the sun dips behind the city skyline. You might even spot a cargo ship or two lumbering by—it’s part of the industrial charm.
  • Events: Summer and early fall are festival season here. Dashe kicks things up with live music, special wine release parties, and food trucks parked right outside the hangar. Weekends can get lively, but there’s rarely a crowd that feels overwhelming.
  • Harvest Season: Late August through October is crush time. If you love seeing the behind-the-scenes action, this is when the winery hums with energy and you might catch a glimpse of grapes being pressed or barrels being filled. (Pro tip: book ahead; these months are popular for a reason.)
  • Weekdays: Want something quieter? Swing by midweek. The staff has more time to chat, and you’ll have plenty of elbow room to savor your tasting flight—and maybe score a sneak taste of something off-menu.

Of course, if you’re the holiday type, Dashe does cozy up nicely in winter. There’s just something about sipping red wine inside a toasty hangar while the rain taps the roof. But for that quintessential Dashe experience—sunny afternoons, friendly crowds, funky events—aim for spring through early fall.

How to Get There

Let me be your navigator for a moment (I’ve driven this route more times than I can count). Dashe Cellars is tucked right in Alameda’s old naval air station zone, which is honestly kind of a trip—you might think you took a wrong turn until you see that huge hangar door and a gathering of wine folks on the patio.

If you’re coming from San Francisco, hop in the car and make your way over the Bay Bridge. You’ll exit onto Webster Street and cruise through the Posey Tube (feels a bit like sci-fi, honestly) into Alameda. A few rights and lefts, and you’ll find yourself in the former navy base district where Monarch Street lives.

Don’t fret about parking. There’s a big free lot and decent street parking, so you’ll have more time to Instagram the skyline and less time cursing your luck.

  • By Car: About 30 minutes from downtown SF if traffic isn’t fussing. From Oakland or Berkeley, you can be sipping a flight in under 20 minutes. There’s typically plenty of signage, but keep an eye out for industrial buildings—it’s easy to second-guess yourself until you spot the Dashe sign.
  • Public Transit: If you’re feeling eco-friendly (and patient), catch BART to Oakland City Center or Fruitvale, then hail a rideshare the rest of the way. Alameda has some local bus options, but honestly, most folks find driving or rideshare simplest.
  • Cycling: If you’re local or up for a mini-adventure, some people bike in from Oakland or downtown Alameda. The scenery along Alameda’s shore isn’t too shabby. There are racks out front; your hybrid or cruiser will be safe.

Let’s be honest, this isn’t Napa’s main drag—so plot your route before you go! Wing it, and you might find yourself looping twice around the hangar district before you recognize the right spot.

Tips for Visiting

  • Book Ahead for Large Groups or Events: Dashe remains laid back, but if you’re rolling deep (six or more), call ahead. Private events can book out the “good” spaces, especially on weekends.
  • Try the Unusual Pours: Don’t sleep on their Carbonic Carignan or single-vineyard Grenache. Ask for suggestions—the tasting flight often includes creative micro-releases not found in stores. The staff are happy to chat and honestly relish taking you off the beaten

Key Features

  • Key Features
  • Best Time to Visit
  • How to Get There
  • Tips for Visiting

More Details

Updated June 25, 2025

Description

Let me tell you, Dashe Cellars is the kind of place you end up telling your friends about the minute you get back home. If you’re craving an urban wine experience with all the charm and none of the snobbery, this should be on your radar. Michael and Anne Dashe had the wild idea—okay, more like a brilliant plan—to make world-class wine right here in the Bay Area, so folks wouldn’t always have to haul themselves to Napa or Sonoma. I respect that, honestly. Wine should be accessible to everyone, right down to city dwellers who don’t own a GPS or a weekend to spare.

When folks talk about Dashe, you’ll hear a lot about character, and not just in the wine itself. There’s this easygoing vibe as soon as you step in—a kind of industrial simplicity, big city cool with a serious love for craft. The winery itself, built inside a legit airplane hangar, is airy, bright, and buzzing with passionate wine lovers and curious newcomers alike. And, not gonna lie, you might see a corgi or two running around outside (dog-lovers, this bit is for you).

Here, wine isn’t pumped out like soda—each bottle is crafted with care. They’re known for letting the land do the talking, coaxing out wild flavors that are just, well, honest. Everything from their Dry Creek Zinfandel (their first baby, so to speak) to single-vineyard Grenache and Carbonic Carignan is bold yet balanced. These wines aren’t over-engineered or predictable. You honestly get a taste of Northern California’s dirt, sun, and sea air in every glass.

Family-owned and women-owned, Dashe Cellars isn’t just about making wine. They’re reshaping what it means to be a city winery. Anne’s influence is obvious—in the thoughtful tastings, the laid-back events, heck, even the accessible bathrooms and inclusive spaces. The folks here genuinely want you to enjoy yourself, whether you’re a seasoned collector, an accidental tourist, or that friend who “just drinks rosé.” I’ve seen birthday parties, bachelorette brunches, first dates, and industry insiders all rubbing elbows at communal tables. You can even catch live music, laid-back food pop-ups, or impromptu chats with the winemakers on a chill Sunday afternoon. There’s just an easy openness here that you don’t get everywhere.

But hey, it’s not all sunshine and unicorns. Some folks might say the wines are too adventurous for their taste or that the industrial spot is “quirky.” That’s just part of the experience. If you’re after a white-tablecloth, countryside castle type of vibe, you might have to keep driving. But if you’re up for creative wines, good conversation, and a taste of Alameda’s under-the-radar urban wine scene—you’re gonna remember your time at Dashe, guaranteed.

Key Features

  • Family-Owned, Women-Owned: Authentic, personal touch you’ll feel from the first hello to the last pour.
  • Artisan, Small-Lot Wines: Limited releases with a focus on Zinfandel, but you’ll find unique reds and whites crafted with minimal intervention—think indigenous yeast and almost no filtration.
  • Urban Setting: Housed in an airy, repurposed airplane hangar with fantastic views of the San Francisco skyline. It doesn’t get more “Bay Area” than this.
  • Inclusive & Accessible: Wheelchair accessible entrance, restrooms, and plenty of parking—plus, a gender-neutral restroom and kid/dog-friendly outdoor spaces.
  • Onsite Bar & Tastings: Enjoy curated wine flights, knowledgeable staff, and, if you’re lucky, a chat with the winemakers themselves.
  • Event Space: Regular live music, food pop-ups (the tacos are a hidden gem), art shows, and private parties. It’s perfect for anything from low-key meetups to landmark occasions.
  • Wine Club & Store: Exclusive releases, member events, discounts, and easy direct purchases—perfect if you want to revisit those flavors at home.
  • COVID-Friendly Service Options: Curbside pickup and onsite enjoyment are both available. Safety is taken seriously so you can relax (if only all venues were this thoughtful, right?).
  • Free & Easy Parking: Free lot and street parking—rare, I know. You’ll barely have to circle the block.
  • Contactless Payment: Pay with credit, debit, or NFC for a touchless, effortless experience.

Best Time to Visit

Alright, real talk—Alameda can be a touch breezy, but Dashe Cellars is open year-round and always ready for company. If you ask me (and you are, since you’re here), the golden months are late spring through fall. Think May to October. Here’s why:

  • Weather: Alameda avoids both the Bay Area fog chills and the oppressive inland heat, especially in the afternoons. The outdoor patio just begs for a glass of Zinfandel as the sun dips behind the city skyline. You might even spot a cargo ship or two lumbering by—it’s part of the industrial charm.
  • Events: Summer and early fall are festival season here. Dashe kicks things up with live music, special wine release parties, and food trucks parked right outside the hangar. Weekends can get lively, but there’s rarely a crowd that feels overwhelming.
  • Harvest Season: Late August through October is crush time. If you love seeing the behind-the-scenes action, this is when the winery hums with energy and you might catch a glimpse of grapes being pressed or barrels being filled. (Pro tip: book ahead; these months are popular for a reason.)
  • Weekdays: Want something quieter? Swing by midweek. The staff has more time to chat, and you’ll have plenty of elbow room to savor your tasting flight—and maybe score a sneak taste of something off-menu.

Of course, if you’re the holiday type, Dashe does cozy up nicely in winter. There’s just something about sipping red wine inside a toasty hangar while the rain taps the roof. But for that quintessential Dashe experience—sunny afternoons, friendly crowds, funky events—aim for spring through early fall.

How to Get There

Let me be your navigator for a moment (I’ve driven this route more times than I can count). Dashe Cellars is tucked right in Alameda’s old naval air station zone, which is honestly kind of a trip—you might think you took a wrong turn until you see that huge hangar door and a gathering of wine folks on the patio.

If you’re coming from San Francisco, hop in the car and make your way over the Bay Bridge. You’ll exit onto Webster Street and cruise through the Posey Tube (feels a bit like sci-fi, honestly) into Alameda. A few rights and lefts, and you’ll find yourself in the former navy base district where Monarch Street lives.

Don’t fret about parking. There’s a big free lot and decent street parking, so you’ll have more time to Instagram the skyline and less time cursing your luck.

  • By Car: About 30 minutes from downtown SF if traffic isn’t fussing. From Oakland or Berkeley, you can be sipping a flight in under 20 minutes. There’s typically plenty of signage, but keep an eye out for industrial buildings—it’s easy to second-guess yourself until you spot the Dashe sign.
  • Public Transit: If you’re feeling eco-friendly (and patient), catch BART to Oakland City Center or Fruitvale, then hail a rideshare the rest of the way. Alameda has some local bus options, but honestly, most folks find driving or rideshare simplest.
  • Cycling: If you’re local or up for a mini-adventure, some people bike in from Oakland or downtown Alameda. The scenery along Alameda’s shore isn’t too shabby. There are racks out front; your hybrid or cruiser will be safe.

Let’s be honest, this isn’t Napa’s main drag—so plot your route before you go! Wing it, and you might find yourself looping twice around the hangar district before you recognize the right spot.

Tips for Visiting

You Might Also Like

Find Accommodations Nearby

Recommended Tours & Activities

Visitor Reviews

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Share Your Experience

Have you visited Dashe Cellars? Help other travelers by leaving a review.